Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/163

 Thomas Wraypoole stared—but Wedgwood found it impossible to decide whether he was surprised or incredulous.

"D'ye mean to say that's a fact, Wedgwood?" he asked. "Fact?"

"Well, it's an opinion which I feel sure will become a fact," replied the detective. "I've no doubt of it."

"What was the secret?" asked Thomas.

"That this young woman who's now missing is the rightful owner of the Mortover property near Netherwell," answered Wedgwood. "That'll all come out, now! And, Mr. Wraypoole, it's my belief that when you were asked by your brother to meet him on the evening of his murder, you were to be told about his discovery of that secret. He may have had some reason for telling you."

"Well—I never did meet him," said Thomas.

"So you have always said," remarked Wedgwood, dryly. "And of course we've taken your word. But if you want plain truth, Mr. Wraypoole, I've wondered myself, if you've ever told me all you really know about that evening! Now I'll tell you something I'd like to know. I'll accept your word that you never met your brother, to speak to! But did you see him that evening?"